What is an IME? (Independent Medical Examination)
Optimal physical and emotional health is vital and it’s often not until we, or someone we know, are incapacitated in some way that we can understand the debilitating impacts it can have on a person’s life. In the case where an independent medical opinion is required, entering the Medico-legal realm to obtain an IME (Independent Medical Examination) can seem complex and overwhelming, especially when compounded by an unfamiliar process and the life factors an individual is already dealing with, along with their injury or illness.
Red Health is a team of experienced and passionate Medico-legal professionals who have made it their purpose to make a difference by humanising the medico-legal experience for all parties involved.
We believe that leading with kindness and humility is what the medico-legal industry needs particularly for the people at the centre of our industry, the examinees.
So, what is an IME?
An IME (Independent Medical Examination) or an IMA (Independent Medical Assessment) is a medical evaluation undertaken by a specialist medical practitioner when a more comprehensive overview of an injury, illness, or medical condition is needed.
An IME or IMA must be conducted by a medical or allied health practitioner who has undertaken industry training, holds relevant medical registration and commits to the Expert Witness code of conduct. Importantly, they must have no previous treating relationship with the examinee or any conflicts of interest.
IMEs are referred to a Medico-legal service provider like us, Red Health, by professionals such as lawyers, claims managers and injury managers who work within the insurance, government, workers’ compensation, superannuation and private sectors.
An Independent Medical Examination often results in a specialised medical report being issued to the referring organisation. This report is intended to assist the parties in gaining clarity and taking next steps.
An examination can assist in determining:
- the impact of illness or injury to a person’s life
- costs of medical treatment and future care
- employability following illness or injury
- the validity and level of a person’s injury or condition
- liability, cause, and any ongoing risks
- a person’s functional capacity and/or fitness for work
The role of Examiners in the IME process
Independent Medical Examiners play a critical role in providing expert, honest and impartial medical opinions to support legal and insurance claims as well as to help employers meet their health and safety responsibilities.
Qualified in medical fields like orthopaedics, psychiatry, neurology, general and occupational medicine, Independent Medical Examiners review injuries and conditions within their medical specialisation to provide independent opinion on factors that must be considered in legal and insurance claims.
A report produced by the Independent Medical Examiner will detail the diagnosis and cause, prognosis, functional status, treatment costs, rehabilitation recommendations, permanent impairment, and any other relevant information that may help inform the relevant parties.
When is an Independent Medical Examination necessary?
Instances, when an IME/IMA is required, include personal injury, public liability, compulsory third party, total and permanent disability, medical negligence, and worker’s compensation claims.
They are also requested by:
- employers to determine a person’s cognitive, mental and physical ability for particular work
- government agencies for invalidity income benefits eligibility and medical retirement
- superannuation, income protection, and life insurance policy acceptance and claims.
What happens at an Independent Medical Examination?
An Independent Medical Examination can be daunting, even if it’s not the person’s first time. Whether it’s to evaluate one’s physical suitability for a job or as part of a claim where the person has suffered serious injury or trauma, the Red Health team are medico-legal professionals who want the best outcomes for all parties involved.
An Independent Medical Assessment will usually involve both a verbal consultation and a physical examination (except for psychological conditions where a physical assessment isn’t necessary).
For the appointment, examinees must bring along their personal identification and wear clothing that enables physical assessment of their body (if required). The examinee can expect to be asked questions about their history regarding education and employment, previous medical conditions, symptoms relating to the current condition, and any previous or current treatments they are undergoing.
As part of the assessment, clients may be requested to have medical investigations such as radiology.
Any concerns or requests examinees may have before their appointment can be discussed directly with the Red Health team, such as whether you are able to have a chaperone present during physical examinations or a support person in attendance.
What are the different types of Independent Medical Assessments?
There are three types of Independent Medical Examinations that we like to recommend and the Red Health team is always here to guide referring clients in determining which IME is necessary for their unique circumstance.
- Standard
- Red File Review
- Red Assess Plus
Standard IMEs are conducted by a medical expert either face-to-face or virtually through Red Connect, our secured video-link service. The medical expert will share their findings either by phone or by issuing a report to the referring client.
File Reviews are sometimes called desktop or paper-based Independent Medical Examinations. They are conducted by a medical expert without the need to consult with the examinee. Instead of consulting with the examinee, they are asked to do a comprehensive review of the medical records along with any other documentation that is provided to them by the referring client. They determine their findings and discuss this with the referring client by phone or by issuing a report.
Red Assess Plus offers a collaborative approach to an Independent Medical Assessment by utilising two (2) types of medical experts at the one appointment. A medical specialist such as an Orthopaedic Surgeon, and an Occupational Therapist will each play a role in assessing the examinee. This approach was handcrafted by Red Health to improve the results of assessments which require medical opinion on work capacity and the impact of a person’s life due to their injury, illness or disability. The findings of both experts will be issued to the referring client in a single report.
Choosing Red Health for your Independent Medical Assessment
Red Health is here to ensure everything is in order to make the Medico-legal process easier for all parties. We help match referring clients with the most suited medical experts and services, and issue quality reports that give clarity.
With over 200 medical experts in our network, competitive rates, innovative services, virtual assessment options, and a convenient online booking portal, our dedicated team makes the entire process as smooth and stress-free as possible.
Learn more about what Red Health can offer you with your Independent Medical Assessment today.
*All information contained in Red Health articles are general in nature and may not apply to your individual situation or the type of assessment you are having. The best way to find out how we can best assist you is to contact us directly.
